Kodaline grace the stage of the magnificent Roundhouse venue once more this Easter holiday weekend. The band do not command the rowdiest, most rambunctious crowd, and instead of compelling bodies to shake and move about, the show offers fans the opportunity to sing their hearts out. On account of a number of people being accompanied by members of an older generation, the gig would certainly make the ideal Easter family outing.

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Although not exactly oozing with stage presence, Kodaline are likeable in their humility and sincerity nonetheless. It is refreshing to see the act largely let the music speak for itself while still engaging with the audience, rather than encumbering the songs with too much garrulous filler talk. However, the lighting effects seem quite gratuitous at times and breach incongruity with the mood evoked by a few of the songs.

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The standout acoustic ballad of the evening, The One, is introduced with a brief anecdote to contextualise its conception. It would appear that it is quite common for millennial musical acts to write songs for friends’ weddings that end up as tracks on their album, and although The One is no exception, the live acoustic rendition affects a certain intimacy that elicits more sentiment than the album version. Catharsis is delivered by the following Love Like This, with its trilling guitar melody and prominent harmonica riffs, a truly exalting number that comes the closest to getting the crowd dancing and bringing those seated in the balcony to their feet. The clincher arrives with the closing song, Love Will Set You Free, during which frontman Steve Garrigan sends the Roundhouse hollering in adjusting the lyrics, singing, “London will set you free.”

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Despite being a relatively austere night by Roundhouse standards, Kodaline still offer feel-good music with universal appeal, and having already been featured on several film and television soundtracks, their development as a band will be followed by a growing audience.

 

 

 

 

Verdict: ★★★☆☆

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Highlights: Love Like This

Watch the video for The One here

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